Well, it seems another event has slid to a different time of year. In this case, it is Ramenfest. This used to be in November, but for 2018, it is slated for Sunday, 18 February. It is still @ Urbanbelly {1400 W. Randolph St.; Chicago, IL. 60607}. If you did not click through back there, it will cost $78.62, and start at 12:01 pm. Another element which also has not changed is that its twenty-three participating restaurants are not ramen shacks, or even Japanese cuisinal restaurants.

Barry Sorkin | Smoque BBQ

Giuseppe Tentori | GT Prime

AJ Walker | Publican Anker

Stephanie Izard | Little Goat

Julie Warpinski | Big Star

Dan Snowden | Bad Hunter

Christine Cikowski & Joshua Kulp | Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Pat Sheerin | City Mouse

Nick Lacasse | Half Acre

John Manion | El Che Bar

Jimmy Bannos | Heaven on Seven

Mathias Merges | Gideon Sweet

Dan Salls | Quiote

Eric Michael | Regards to Edith

Jimmy Papadopoulos | Bellemore

John Shields | Smyth

Mark Steur | Funkenhausen

Mike Brockman | Woodstone Ovens

Brenton Balika | Margeaux Brasserie

Jason Hammel | Lula Cafe

Toni Robertson | The Peninsula

Carrie Nahabedian | Naha

Rick Ortiz & Diego Cruz | Antique Taco

(I wonder: Are ramen shacks even invited, or do they need to apply to the organizers?)Oops. I forgot to buy a ticket for this. However, I think they will release a second batch of General Admission tickets before 18 February.

Maybe it was because I'm 2 weeks into a cold, maybe it was because I like salt way more than most people, but I thought the Oiistar classic was lacking a little flavor. The broth was great on its own, but the noodles were bland and dragged the bowl down for me. I sat at the counter by the kitchen and used some of the hoisin and sriracha which helped, but to me it specifically lacked salt. I don't have a high spice tolerance, so I don't think going to the spicy bowl would help.

The plusses: the pork belly was silky, the egg was still runny. (Not sure if it went into the bowl hot or not, I tend to save them til the middle - end.) I got the upgrade of fried chicken thigh which was terrific - especially with a dab of hoisin. The waiter was friendly and recommended the Forbidden Root ginger beer, which was great. (It's actually beer brewed with ginger rather than a soda-type ginger beer.)

I tried to finish the bowl, couldn't quite do it. I'll go back, but bring more people with me so we can try the buns too.